Simon Cowell is facing an unexpected adversary in his countryside escape, adding to a long list of unfortunate events surrounding his properties.
The man who sought solace from the hustle and bustle of London life now finds himself embroiled in a battle against pesky moles wreaking havoc on his sprawling $13.2m Cotswolds estate.
In a bid for tranquillity, the 64-year old, along with partner Lauren Silverman and their 9-year-old son Eric, sought refuge in the countryside.
But tranquillity turned to turmoil as the serene landscape was overrun by mole hills, transforming the once pristine 3.2ha property into what can only be described as “Swiss cheese,” The Mirror reports.
Simon Cowell pictured at his Cotswolds estate. Pictures: Instagam/Simon Cowell
Cowell also reportedly observed the moles drawing nearer to the house and, as he put it, “getting braver.”
Reports indicate that the moles, seemingly undeterred by human presence, have ventured perilously close to Cowell’s mansion, with their voracious appetite for tunnelling causing extensive damage to the gardens.
An view of the Cotswolds village of Sheepscombe. Picture: Getty Images
Their ‘invasion’ has marred the scenic view from Cowell’s swimming pool and patio, leaving the entertainment mogul far from amused.
“It was fine when they moved in, now the gardens are riddled with molehills,” a source revealed to The Sun, noting that hundreds of molehills had moved in.
“It’s like they’re taking over.”
Moles have reportedly invaded Simon Cowell’s estate. Pictures: istock
Cowell’s retreat to the countryside follows a series of security concerns at his former London residence, where he reportedly felt “unsafe” due to repeated intrusions.
Despite investing more than $950,000 in security measures, including guard dogs, Cowell fell victim to burglaries, prompting his decision to relocate to the Cotswolds.
Cowell has dealt with a series of security concerns. Picture: Simon Cowell / Instagram x
Last year, he ended up selling his London pad for $28.7m $19m — a whopping $57.3m less than he initially asked — due to security concerns.
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The “X Factor” star’s concerns over security are not unfounded.
Simon Cowell pictured with his co-hosts of X-Factor. Picture: Simon Cowell / Instagram
In 2015, thieves broke into his London home while the family slept, making off with valuables worth up to $1 million.
The incident left Cowell shaken, with the reality show judge expressing his frustration at the lack of response from his previously silent guard dogs. Determined to bolster security, Cowell has since acquired two German shepherds trained specifically for the task.
However, Cowell’s security woes extend beyond London.
In 2012, a brazen intruder armed with a brick breached his property while the TV personality was at home.
Despite the setbacks, Cowell remains undeterred, with a lavish property portfolio spanning from Malibu to Los Angeles.
